Many Audi owners are unaware of the hidden potential within their vehicles’ Drive Select system. Using a VCDS (Vag-Com Diagnostic System) interface, you can customize and activate additional driving modes beyond the factory defaults. This guide outlines the process for enabling these hidden modes using VCDS, specifically focusing on a 2013 Audi A5 Sportback S-Line Quattro with MMI 3G Plus as an example.
Accessing Audi Drive Select Settings with VCDS
To begin, connect your VCDS interface to your Audi’s OBD-II port and launch the VCDS software. Follow these steps:
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Select Control Module: Navigate to “Select Control Module.”
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Choose Central Electrics: Select “09 – Cent. Elect.”
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Security Access: Enter the appropriate security access code for your vehicle. You can often find recommended codes within the VCDS software or online forums.
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Adaptation: Go to the “Adaptation” section.
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Drive Select Standard Setting: Locate and select the “Drive Select Standard Setting” channel. In this example, key “4” was used.
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MMI Screen: Access the Audi Drive Select screen on your MMI system.
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Read Channel 66: On the MMI screen, find and read the value for channel 66. This represents the currently active driving modes.
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Understanding Binary Values: Each driving mode is represented by a bit in a byte-long binary value (8 bits). Each bit, from right to left, corresponds to a specific mode and has a decimal value:
- Bit 1: Individual (Decimal 1, Binary 00000001)
- Bit 2: Comfort (Decimal 2, Binary 00000010)
- Bit 3: Auto (Decimal 4, Binary 00000100)
- Bit 4: Dynamic (Decimal 8, Binary 00001000)
- Bit 5: Offroad (Decimal 16, Binary 00010000) – Only active if Bit 7 is also active. If Bit 7 is off, this bit activates Race mode instead. Offroad and Race cannot be active simultaneously.
- Bit 6: Efficiency (Decimal 32, Binary 00100000)
- Bit 7: Offroad/Race Switch (Decimal 64, Binary 01000000) – Enables Offroad mode for Bit 5.
- Bit 8: Currently unknown function.
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Calculating Your Desired Value: Add the decimal values for the driving modes you want to enable. For instance, enabling Individual, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Efficiency results in a decimal value of 47 (Binary 00101111). You cannot have both Race and Offroad active. A maximum of six modes can be active at once.
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Input New Value: Enter your calculated decimal value into channel 66.
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Test and Save: Test the new settings by cycling through the driving modes on your MMI. If everything works as expected, save the changes and exit VCDS.
Customizing Your Audi Driving Experience
By understanding how to use VCDS to modify the Drive Select settings, you can tailor your Audi’s driving characteristics to your preferences. Remember to choose driving mode combinations that suit your vehicle and driving style. For this specific Audi A5, a value of 47 was chosen, enabling a comprehensive range of options without the Offroad or Race modes which are less relevant for this vehicle type. Always proceed with caution when modifying vehicle settings and consult reputable sources for guidance.
